West Nile Virus

PostMarch 31, 2016

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West Nile Fever in Humans

Most WNV infections are mild and often clinically unapparent. Approximately 20% of those infected develop a generally mild illness. The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days. Symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days.

Symptoms of West Nile Fever-Humans

Reports from earlier outbreaks describe the mild form of WNV infection as a febrile illness of sudden onset often accompanied by:

malaise headache

anorexia myalgia

nausea rash

vomiting lymphadenopathy

eye pain

Advanced Age Groups: The most significant risk factor for developing severe neurological disease is advanced age. Encephalitis is more commonly reported than meningitis. Approximately 1 in 150 infections will result in severe neurological disease.

Rash: A minority of patients with severe disease developed a maculopapular or morbilliform rash involving the neck, trunk, arms, or legs.